Time to Kill The Filipino Time

September 11, 2018

The "Filipino time" is a waste of time. Are we really just gonna live with it forever?

Too bad this attitude has been running in the blood for ages - probably for the lack of collective solution to it. A tolerated bad action becomes an embarrassing habit indeed. Unfortunately, people spend more efforts finding excuses than finding solutions.

For somebody like me who plans everything in a properly-timed manner, every second is valuable. I always want to be productive in anything I do - professional or personal setting. An activity that started late will definitely impact the results of my succeeding activities.

Once, I suggested that late comers in a group pay a hefty AED100 fine. It seemed to work. They arrived on time in the first 2 meetings; but then, only on those first 2 meetings. If there's no discipline, there's no favorable results.

"Filipino Time" is an abuse.

It is rude to keep others waiting. It's intrusive to make a person stretch his personal time to accommodate your tardiness. If I have 5 appointments and you are the first and you came late, it's a shame to adjust the 4 other meetings because of one tardy person.

It's not nice to invite guests an hour in a party ahead in order to give allowance for the "expected" Filipino time.

We easily take people for granted. It has gone that bad. What if you are meeting Bill Gates, would you be late?

The Only Solution

RESPECT.

Time is life. If we respect others, we value their lives.

Whether at meetings, work or personal events, a person who arrives late disrespects another's effort to be on time.

RESPECT.

Your time consciousness reflects your efficiency. People who are consistently on time easily gains my trust.

RESPECT.

If you respect people, you will not fill your calendar with unrealistic schedule that will impact other's time with you.

RESPECT.

If you respect people, you will know the traffic situation ahead of travel and you'll plan accordingly.

RESPECT.

If you respect people, you'll figure out solutions, not excuses. You'll be considerate.

Status Update Saves The Day

Being time conscious, I always strive to make it ahead of agreed time. Yes I do get late and its disappointing if other people cause it; frustrating if I cause it. But before it happens, the people I have appointment with would know ahead of time.

If I get caught up on some unexpected circumstances, I take a conscious effort to update the other party right away. It is annoying to be left guessing.

I am not entitled to keep people waiting for me.

Renew Your Mindset

It's all in the mind. Kill the thought of 'Filipino Time.' If no one will change his personal culture, the community culture will not be changed.